"We're now creating links with clubs out of this country. We want the best young players." - Coventry City's Steven Pressley

6 November 2014

Matt Joyce

The City boss has also praised midfielder Jack Finch and goalkeeper Lee Burge on their recent performances for the first-team...

Coventry City manager Steven Pressley has revealed that the club is currently in the process of “creating links” with clubs overseas in order to secure the best young talent.

The manager admitted that the recruitment policy across the club was weaker than when he first arrived 18-months ago, but believes that the changes that are currently being made will see the club prosper in the long-term.

Tickets for City's FA Cup tie against Worcester City are just £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Get yours now...

“I think recruitment at a football club is so vital and it really is an area that cannot be neglected at any level,” Pressley said.

“I think over the last year we’ve tried to drive and improve the recruitment policy. We now have seven to eight scouts on the road every week searching for players identifying players and doing the necessary reports on them.

“Also, with the youth system and the Academy side of things, we are now creating links with clubs out of this country. We’ve taken this route so we can get the best young players from across the world because we have to go about looking to improve the club all the time, at all ages.

“Recruitment is a big area that we’ve needed to improve - when I arrived we had one scout and he produced the reports on players and that was it. The truth is if you’re going to sign any player you need a full extensive dossier on them. We’ve not had that and that’s an area we are striving to improve and an area which we have definitely improved on over the past 18 months.”

The Academy players have played a huge role in the club over recent years and the FA Cup tie against Worcester on Sunday should see another opportunity for the young Sky Blues to stake a claim for a starting berth.

Pressley singled out Jack Finch and Lee Burge for praise ahead of the game and wants his players to take the opportunity with both hands if it comes their way.

The City manager added: “Players that have been waiting in the wings in recent weeks will get an opportunity to prove their worth.

“The players should be excited about that – I spoke to Jack Finch last Friday about not just being happy about being in the team but grasping the opportunity with both hands and making my life difficult. He really did that and that’s what it’s all about, players making the most of their opportunities.

“Lee Burge is another - I’m really excited by him and with time and opportunities he will become a very good goalkeeper for us here. He’s done well since he’s come in, the one small mistake was against Peterborough but he reacted so well and that’s important in a young goalkeeper.

“It’s an exciting time for the young players and we’re in a healthy position. I really want people to step in and make my selection process difficult for the next week.”